Condoms, Foam & Vaginal Inserts

The condom is made from thin rubber (latex), polyurethane, or animal tissue. The condom covers the penis and stops sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are available with or without spermicide and lubricants. Foam and vaginal inserts are placed into the vagina before intercourse and stop or kill sperm.

How Condoms, Foam and Vaginal Inserts Work

Condoms prevent sperm from entering the vagina so fertilization cannot occur. Some condoms have spermicide which also kills the sperm. Foam and vaginal inserts have a chemical in them that stops the movement of most sperm. These methods kill most sperm and are intended to block any remaining sperm from swimming into the uterus.

Effectiveness

Condoms alone:
88-92% effective in preventing pregnancy

Foam Alone

72-97% effective in preventing pregnancy

Condoms used with Foam or Vaginal Insert:

98-99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Provides some protection against sexually transmitted infections

How to Use a Condom

Put a couple of drops of water-based lubricant (like K-Y® jelly) in the tip of a condom.

A condom is put on the erect penis before it goes in or near the vagina. Some space must be left at the tip to catch the sperm.

Place rolled condom on top of a hard penis, leaving about a half-inch space at the tip.

Pull back foreskin and roll condom down over the penis -- be sure to smooth out any air bubbles.

The condom must be held against the penis when withdrawing from the vagina. A new condom is needed for each act of intercourse.

How Foam and Vaginal Inserts Are Used

There are many varieties of this method: foam, which looks like shaving cream and is inserted with an applicator; and suppositories and vaginal films, which are placed in the vagina a few minutes before intercourse.

Check-Ups

It is not necessary to have an exam before starting to use condoms, foam or vaginal inserts. However, it is recommended that all women who are sexually active or over the age of 18 receive complete gynecological exams every year.

Who Can Use Condoms, Foam or Vaginal Inserts

Just about anyone can use a condom, including people who:

Want a form of birth control that offers some protection against sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases

Want inexpensive birth control

Do not want to take a pill daily

Do not want to use a hormonal method of birth control

Do not want a change in menstruation Benefits of Using Condoms, Foam or Vaginal Inserts